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Vorskla Poltava’s hopes of progressing to the UEFA Europa League knockout stages were already slim going into the match. Following a last-minute defeat against Sporting CP on Matchday 2 and a shocking loss to Qarabağ on Matchday 4, Vorskla will need to win their remaining two matches in the group to advance.

As things stand, this would be very difficult. They currently hold a goal difference of negative seven. Moreover, second place Sporting sit four points above Vorskla. In other words, even if they were to win their remaining two matches, it is possible that the Ukrainians would still not qualify for the knockout stages.

Stranger things have happened, however. To date, Arsenal have yet to win a match in Ukraine. Vorskla could use this statistic to their advantage as they host their English opponents on Thursday.

Despite this statistic, it seems Arsenal will be too much for the Ukrainians to handle. Following their opening losses to Manchester City and Chelsea in the English Premier League, the Gunners have run rampant in both domestic and international play. The Englishmen have currently collected 10 points from a possible 12 in the Europa League’s Group E and seem to be on course to collect another three points on Matchday 5.

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The Gunners host a superior goal difference of positive eight after four matches. Moreover, they routed the Ukrainians in London on Matchday 1. While the match ended 4-2, the score flattered the travelling Vorskla. The Gunners scored four goals in the opening seventy-five of the match, and by the time the Ukrainians made their impact, it was too late.

Since then, the North London side have continued to ride these positive omens as they have yet to lose a match in this group. Given the talent of these two sides, it is likely this trend will continue on Matchday 5. Finally, given recent political developments in Ukraine and that Vorskla have lost their home advantage – only a few thousand spectators will likely attend the game in Kyiv – will give Arsenal a further edge.

Unfortunately, while the circumstances are completely out of their control, Vorskla will have to find a way to overcome these developments. Will their football be affected?

Vorskla Poltava – Players to Watch:

Pavlo Rebenok #82– Vorskla Poltava

The central midfielder has spent a large portion of his career with Vorskla Poltava. Having been accustomed to various styles of play under numerous managers, he is very versatile and an asset to the Ukrainian side. He played an important role in their matches against QarabağFK, and he will need to provide his magic in this match if Vorskla have any hopes of overcoming their visitors.

Vorskla Poltava’s Ukrainian midfielder Pavlo Rebenok (R) shoots past Arsenal’s Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner (L) during the UEFA Europa League group E football match between Arsenal and Vorskla Poltava at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 20, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang #14 – Arsenal

Arsenal spent a lot of money as they purchased their new striker during the 2018 January Transfer Window. Following his introduction, the Gabonese striker has scored 18 goals in 26 English Premier League matches. He is certainly a prolific player, and if Arsenal hope to progress to the UEFA Europa League’s knockout stages, they will need to rely on his productivity in front of goal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal controls the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on November 11, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Vorskla vs Arsenal – Match Stats:

Arsenal won the reverse fixture 4-2.

Arsenal have a mixed record against Ukrainian opponents. They have played 11 matches against Ukrainian opposition, where they have won five, drew two and lost four. They have yet to win a match in Ukraine.

Vorskla Poltava’s Denys Vasin and Aleskandre Kobakhidze remain on the sidelines as both men continue to fight through their injuries.

Mark Temnycky reports on the Ukrainian men’s national team and Ukrainian clubs competing in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. Outside of the Futbolgrad Network, he covers Manchester City for SB Nation’s Bitter and Blue. Follow him @MTem33